Auto Transport Glossary

This is the Glossary for Auto Transport.
Find definitions and meanings to words or terms used in the car shipping industry.

An auto carrier refers to a specialized truck or trailer designed specifically for transporting vehicles from one location to another. These carriers come in various sizes and configurations, ranging from single-car trailers to multi-level trucks capable of transporting several vehicles at once.

Auto transport refers to the service of transporting vehicles from one location to another, typically over long distances. This service is commonly used by individuals and businesses needing to move vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even boats, without having to drive them to the destination.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a fundamental legal document issued by the carrier. It meticulously outlines the specifics of the vehicle being transported, encompassing crucial details such as the pickup and delivery locations, the vehicle's condition at pickup, and any special instructions provided by the customer or shipper.

A broker in auto transport acts as a middleman, connecting customers who need their vehicles moved with carriers who handle the actual transportation. Brokers use their industry expertise and network of carriers to match each shipment with the best-suited carrier, ensuring a smooth and efficient transport process. They provide reliable service for customers while helping carriers keep their trucks full and operating efficiently.

C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery) is a payment method in auto transport where customers pay the carrier upon delivery of their vehicle. While cash is the most common form of payment, some carriers also accept certified checks or money orders. COD is widely used in the auto transport industry, ensuring that payment is made only after the service is completed, offering transparency and security for both customers and carriers.

A dispatcher in the auto transport industry is responsible for coordinating and managing vehicle shipments between carriers and brokers. They assign loads to drivers, plan efficient routes, and ensure timely deliveries. Dispatchers also handle logistical challenges, maintain schedules, and act as the main point of contact for updates and issue resolution during transport.

A driver is the skilled professional responsible for operating transport trucks to move vehicles from one location to another. These drivers are trained experts who know how to load, secure, and transport vehicles safely. Their role involves route planning, safety compliance, and ensuring vehicles reach their destination in excellent condition. Drivers are the most essential part of the auto transport process.

An enclosed carrier is a specialized transport truck designed to provide a fully enclosed environment for vehicles during transit. Unlike open carriers, which leave vehicles exposed to the elements, enclosed auto transport carriers shield vehicles from weather, road debris, and external hazards throughout the journey. This method is especially favored for transporting high-value, luxury, or classic cars, where maximum protection is crucial.

A flatbed transport carrier is a special type of heavy-duty trailer used for transporting tall or oversized items. These trailers are crucial for moving large and heavy equipment, like construction machinery, vehicles, and other oversized loads.

In transport, a gate pass is a document that grants permission to enter a restricted area like a shipping terminal or port to drop off or pick up a vehicle. This pass is usually provided by the transport company or terminal operator and allows the driver or transporter to access the designated area to complete their job. A common example of a gate pass is the T.W.I.C. issued by the T.S.A. in the United States.

In auto transport, "Inop" refers to an inoperable vehicle that cannot be driven onto or off a transport trailer due to mechanical or functional issues. Transporting inop vehicles often requires additional equipment, such as a winch, and may incur extra costs because of the added effort and resources needed to load and unload the vehicle.

A load board is an online marketplace used in the auto transport industry where brokers and shippers post available vehicle shipments and carriers search for loads to haul. It allows carriers to view route details, vehicle information, pickup and delivery locations, and offered rates, helping match vehicles with available transport capacity .

An open carrier is a type of transport truck used to move vehicles from one place to another. It is called an "open carrier" because of its design, which exposes the vehicles to the outside environment during transport. Open carriers are the most commonly used method for car shipping due to their widespread availability and cost-effectiveness.

When transporting a vehicle, personal items refer to any belongings that are not part of the car itself. These can include clothing, electronics, or other personal belongings you might want to send along with your vehicle.

A quote in auto transport is an estimate provided by a transportation company that details the cost of shipping a vehicle from one place to another. This estimate helps customers understand how much they might need to pay for the service.

A Reservation Fee is a payment made upfront to secure a spot for your vehicle with a carrier. This fee is typically charged by brokers or transport companies when you book their services, ensuring that your shipment is scheduled and prioritized. The amount is usually deducted from the total transport cost, with the balance paid upon delivery. It helps confirm your commitment and allows the company to begin coordinating your shipment.

The term snowbird might conjure images of migratory birds heading south for the winter, but it also applies to a specific group of people who relocate seasonally to escape the cold. Snowbirds are individuals who move from colder climates to warmer regions during the winter months, typically from the northern United States and Canada to sunnier destinations like Florida.

In auto transport, a terminal is a vehicle storage facility where cars are dropped off or picked up before or after car shipping. These locations act as holding areas where carriers load and unload vehicles, serving as a transition point during the transport process. Terminals can take different forms: some are secure auto storage lots or warehouses, while others may be tow yards or even junkyards.

Tie-downs are necessary devices or methods used to secure vehicles onto trailers or transport carriers during auto transport. These mechanisms include straps, chains, or other types of restraints designed to prevent the vehicle from shifting or moving during transit.

Top Load refers to the placement of a vehicle on the upper deck of a multi-level car carrier. This positioning is often preferred for several compelling reasons, making it a premium option that may incur additional costs. Top Load placement is especially desirable for high-value, luxury, or classic cars that require extra protection.

In the auto transport industry, every carrier and broker engaged in interstate vehicle shipping must have a valid USDOT Number. This number is used by the FMCSA to track a company’s safety record, compliance history, insurance coverage, and overall performance on the road.

A viceroy is a high-ranking official appointed to govern a country or province on behalf of a monarch. The term "viceroy" is derived from the Latin words "vice" (in place of) and "rex" (king), indicating that the viceroy acts as the representative of the sovereign, holding administrative and executive authority. Historically, viceroys played a crucial role in managing large territories within colonial empires, ensuring that the policies and interests of the ruling monarch were upheld.

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every vehicle. It serves as the vehicle's fingerprint, providing essential details such as the manufacturer, model, year, and country of origin. The VIN is crucial in auto transport for verifying the correct vehicle, ensuring accurate documentation, and tracking its history.

A winch is a mechanical device consisting of a spool or drum that winds a cable or rope, typically powered by a motor. It provides significant pulling force, crucial for maneuvering vehicles onto transport platforms, especially non-operational or challenging vehicles.